Aromatic Medicine

METHODS OF APPLICATION

Some of the broad methods of essential oil application are via the following interfaces:

Topical / external [transcutaneous / transdermal]
Inhalation [transpulmonary / respiratory]
Internal / oral ingestion [transdigestive / gastrointestinal]
Rectal and vaginal [transmucosal]

TOPICAL

When applied topically the tiny essential oil molecules readily penetrate the skin, migrating into hair follicles and pores and the associated micro-capillary blood system, for transportation to all parts of the body. Standard methods of topical application vary. They include either massage, with the essential oils diluted to various degrees in organic carrier bases such as vegetable oils; direct application of undiluted oils or oils diluted in gels or other specific excipients such as transcutol; baths and sitz-baths in which essential oils are dispersed in the water, or compresses and poultices. Since many oils are potent most are not applied undiluted, except to skin that is tough, such as soles of feet and palms of hands. Application of undiluted oils to various acupuncture points on meridians, and/or body reflexology points, is part of more specialized administration, which requires diligent professional application. Additional methods of topical application, with reference to intensive aromatic medicine treatment, should however be reserved for persons qualified to administer oils via these techniques e.g. treatments for trauma [including dressings] such as cuts and puncture wounds, infections, excoriations and abrasions, ulcerations, torn muscles, and lavage for severe burns etc.

INHALATION

When inhaled the microscopic essential oil molecules are transported directly to the roof of the nasal cavity, where the receptor cells of the olfactory bulb are located. Molecules that are not absorbed in the olfactory region are carried into the lungs, where they are absorbed via alveolar diffusion, and subsequently transported throughout the body via systemic circulation. Inhalation therefore has a dual effect. The olfactory receptor cells cause electro-chemical messages to be transmitted directly to the brain, which are capable of stimulating the release of neurochemicals with stimulating, sedative, euphoric, or hypnotic effects. Since these molecules bypass the thalamus they have a direct effect on the limbic system of the brain, which can trigger profound emotions and memory. Oils can either be inhaled directly from a tissue [dry inhalation]; or environmentally via aerosols, humidifiers and/or cold-air diffusers; or via steam inhalations; or as a co-benefit of massage or bathing. Diffusers help to make essential oils more bio-available because they ionize and suspend the minute molecules in the atmosphere. Cold-air micro diffusion, which is preferable because the oils do not undergo heat degradation, provides concentrated delivery of aromatic molecules for aromatology and aromatherapy use. It can deliver dramatic results when appropriately applied, however distinct nebulizations, which form part of intensive aromatic medicine protocols, should be applied only by persons qualified to administer oils via these methods.

INTERNAL

There is probably no greater divide in aromatherapeutics than the debate that rages “for” or “against” oral use of essential oils. The concerns most often cited are philosophical differences, safety [toxicity myths abound!] and legislative restrictions. The former usually provides a great pontification platform, while the latter two present academic and legal considerations. Safety is significantly dependent on education, or the lack thereof. Therefore vital factors are how, and by whom, aromatherapy practitioners are taught science [particularly chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology], and scientific materia aromatica; besides the quality of oils to be used clinically. When used by appropriately trained practitioners, aromatic medicine is usually without toxic side-effects. Laws governing the internal use of essential oils are country-specific e.g. in South Africa only persons registered in diagnostic professions are permitted to legally prescribe substances for ingestion, according to defined scopes of practice.

The digestive interface, or internal use of organic and chemotyped essential oils, is indispensable when applied judiciously, since the complex phytochemical constituents can remedy numerous ailments e.g. digestive imbalances, spasms, inflammation, infections, toxicity, pain, and a host of other functions such as immune modulation, neuro-endocrine rebalancing, circulation improvement, etc. Ingested essential oils are absorbed by the portal blood circulation. The most common methods of delivery are either sublingual drops, diluted in liquid excipients such as Disper or Labrafil, or via oleo-capsules intended for specific gastrointestinal absorption. Sprays, gargles, and oral gels are also useful for various conditions.

RECTAL AND VAGINAL

The rectal and vaginal interfaces are important, especially when the digestive interface is not suitable. Suppositories and pessaries containing essential oils in nut butter bases are simple to administer and are very effective.

EFFICACY

Internal, and/or high-dose topical, applications are generally considered to be most effective for pathological conditions that affect physiological health, due to the pharmacologically active constituents and properties exhibited by many essential oils. Therefore, since aromatic medicine relies on science it requires sound knowledge of organic and aromatic chemistry, plus knowledge of the pharmacological and toxicological effects of essential oils, underpinned by clinical reasoning, understanding of dosage regimes, and appropriate application methods. However, since integrated medicine adopts an holistic approach to health and dis-ease, practitioners also consider the relationship between susceptibility and sensitivity of the organism/whole person relative to the manifestation of illness, irrespective of the treatment modality used. Therefore, since I.A.M is not reductionistic, essential oils are considered valuable not only for their chemical qualities, as has been intimated previously, but also for their “energetic” properties.

AROMACHOLOGY

Aromachology, a modality often referred to as psycho-somatic aromatherapy, is another specialized branch of aromatherapeutics, which uses the aromatic properties and subliminal effects of essential oil fragrances to alter perception and/or stimulate neuro-endocrine function. It is postulated that hormones are produced in response to perceptions, hence any alteration in perception is considered to bring about emotional responses, which in turn releases minute amounts of neuro-hormones, and vice versa. Therefore, by the judicious application of essential oil therapy, many conditions can be successfully treated without the potentially harmful side effects of conventional psychiatric drugs. Aromachology can facilitate healing of both the body physical and the body emotional, via the important neuro-endocrine interface.

SUBTLE AROMATHERAPY

Much has also been written about the spiritual properties of aromatic plants. For example, Sufism classifies plants and their aromas according to their spiritual qualities. This philosophy declares that plant aromas facilitate the development and purification of the soul on its journey through spiritual realms. Throughout time many other ideologies have, and do, advocate the use of aromatics for spiritual enrichment.

CONCLUSION

Integrated aromatic medicine [IAM] does not purport to replace emergency medicine and conventional allopathic medicine, but rather to co-exist alongside these disciplines. It presents both curative and preventative competencies for acute and chronic conditions. I.A.M. can heal and bring relief, with minimal side-effects, combating both disease and discomfort, while supporting the inner terrain at all times.

REGULATION OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa [AHPCSA] is the statutory council that regulates therapeutic aromatherapy [T.A.] in South Africa, in accordance with Act 63 of 1982. The AHPCSA controls all matters relating to students and practitioners including disciplinary matters, educational standards, scopes of practice, and professional fees. However, since T.A. is presently classified as a non-diagnostic profession, the practice of I.A.M. is restricted to a few of the diagnostic disciplines governed by this regulatory body such as naturopathy and phytotherapy. www.ahpcsa.co.za

The AromaSA concerns itself with all matters relating to the interests of practitioners and aromatherapeutics. www.aromasa.org.za

SERVICES & PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

Individualised aromatic prescriptions made to order for our patients by Dr Sandi Nye.

Please contact Serendipity Quintessentials for the following:

Premium quality organic and chemotyped essential oils.
Special Aroma-Ace cold-air diffusers.
Essential oil Synergies for diffusers and massage.
A wide range of aromatherapeutic face and body products for men, women and children.

Please contact Kitchen Cosmetics for the following:

A wide range of DIY workshops in which you get to make your own natural cosmetic and toiletry products.
Fun and creative DIY kits to make products at home.
A wide variety of raw ingredients for making your own natural products.